Q & A: Router Table Miter Joints

Q & A: Router Table Miter Joints

Q:

I plan to build some jewelry boxes with
mitered corners, but my contractor’s
saw does a poor job of cutting miters. Can I
use my router table to cut the mitered joints?

A:

A 45-degree chamfer bit mounted in a
router table works great for cutting
miters. The size of the chamfer bit you’ll need
depends on the thickness of the wood you’re
cutting. Chamfer bits large enough to cut
miters on the ends of 3/4-in.-thick
boards are available.

Make multiple passes to complete
the miters, either slowly increasing the
height of the chamfer bit or slowly moving
the router table fence back a little at a
time. Use a backerboard to help support
the workpiece and eliminate blow-out. Be
very precise with your adjustments as you
near the full mitered cut. The last setting
of the fence or bit height should leave a
point on the end of the board without
shortening the board’s length.